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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






2. The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.






3. Three notes played in the same amount of time as one or two beats.






4. Often used in overtures - a composition that uses passages from other movements of the composition in its entirety.






5. The retuning of a stringed instrument in order to play notes below the ordinary range of the instrument or to produce an usual tone color.






6. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






7. The distance in pitch between two notes.






8. A contrapuntal song written for at least three voices - usually without accompaniment.






9. A chord progression that seems to lead to resolving itself on the final chord; but does not.






10. A short piece originally preceded by a more substantial work - also an orchestral introduction to opera - however not lengthy enough to be considered an overture.






11. A sequence of chords that brings an end to a phrase - either in the middle or the end of a composition.






12. A style of male singing where by partial use of the vocal chords - the voice is able to reach the pitch of a female.






13. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






14. A hymn sung by the choir and congregation often in unison.






15. Often used in overtures - a composition that uses passages from other movements of the composition in its entirety.






16. Dull - monotonous tone such as a humming or buzzing sound. Also a bass note held under a melody.






17. Pertaining to the fugue - the overlapping of the same theme or motif by two or more voices a few beats apart.






18. The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into two - three - four beats to a measure.






19. Pertaining to the fugue - the overlapping of the same theme or motif by two or more voices a few beats apart.






20. A period in history during the 18th and early 19th centuries where the focus shifted from the neoclassical style to an emotional - expressive - and imaginative style.






21. The highest female voice.






22. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






23. A melodic or - sometimes a harmonic idea presented in a musical form.






24. A group of 4 instruments - two violins - a viola - and cello.






25. Movement in music where the characteristics are crisp and direct.






26. A short or brief sonata.






27. To repeat a previous part of a composition generally after other music has been played.






28. A composition written for eight instruments.






29. Male singers who were castrated to preserve their alto and soprano vocal range.






30. Short detached notes - as opposed to legato.






31. A book of text containing the words of an opera.






32. The element of music pertaining to time - played as a grouping of notes into accented and unaccented beats.






33. A drama where the words are sung instead of spoken.






34. A 17th century dance written in Quadruple time - always beginning on the third beat of the measure.






35. A sequence of chords that brings an end to a phrase - either in the middle or the end of a composition.






36. A symbol indicating that the note is to be diminished by one semitone.






37. A musical form where the principal theme is repeated several times. The rondo was often used for the final movements of classical sonata form works.






38. The playing or singing the upper half of the vocal range. Also the highest voice in choral singing.






39. Lowest female singing voice.






40. A curve over notes to indicate that a phrase is to be played legato.






41. Music written for chorus and orchestra. Most often religious in nature.






42. A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.






43. A direction to play lively and fast.






44. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1700's to mid 1800's. The music was spare and emotionally reserved - especially when compared to Romantic and Boroque music.






45. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






46. The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds.






47. To shift to another key.






48. Three note chords consisting of a root - third - and fifth.






49. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






50. Introduction to an opera or other large musical work.